The VWC Series of windlasses is designed for automatic (hands-free) handling of chain-only anchor rodes. They have an integral chainpipe and chain stripper built into the windlass body to facilitate jam-free operation, and automatic delivery of the chain to and from the chain locker.
VWC windlasses are available in two formats — a low profile, chainwheel-only version, and one with an added independent capstan for the retrieval of a secondary mostly rope rode, or to assist with docking procedures.
This entries features the chainwheel with capstan version of the VWC. The vertical capstan on VWC windlasses is ideal for multi-use rope hauling as, unlike horizontal capstans, it can handle lines leading from any direction.

Larger sizes of these VWC windlasses are often installed in pairs, giving an emergency backup in the event of mechanical or electrical failure. In this case one of the windlasses will normally be retrieving the anchor running clockwise and the other anticlockwise (ACW). Fisheries offers the VWC 2200, 3500, and 4000 windlasses in both versions for such pairings. Clockwise and anticlockwise rotation are defined as viewed from above the windlass.

Note — Typical boat lengths listed include both light and heavy displacement vessels. If your vessel's length is toward the top end of the range given for a particular windlass, but has a relatively heavy displacement for its length, choose the next larger size windlass.
Analogously, If your vessel's length is toward the top end of the range provided for a particular windlass, but has a very light displacement for its length, you can select that windlass.
Use common sense and good judgment, as you never know when your windlass will be pressed to perform at the limits of its capabilities - such as raising the anchor in storm conditions.

Note that the chainwheels on VWC windlasses are for chain-only rodes, and do not have any provision for handling rope.

Is one of these windlasses a good choice for your boat? You can use the recommended typical boat lengths provided or, for a more rigorous determination, take the total weight of your ground tackle (anchor + rode - presumably correctly sized for your particular vessel) and multiply by 3. The maximum pull capability of the windlass should be at least as large as the resulting number.